Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1506758
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 3 | 21 Building Envelope P H OTO G R A P H Y BY W I L L I A M C R AW FO R D/CO U RT E S Y H O LC I M B U I L D I N G EN V ELO P E; EN G I N EER ED A SS EM B L I E S The growing demand for energy-efficient and airtight buildings sparks fascinating breakthroughs in building envelope solutions by ROBIN BRUNET W ith everything from energy costs to the net zero push affecting the way buildings are constructed, it's not surprising that some basic concepts driving the green movement have become rote, without much consideration to their meaning. And as far as Jeff Ker, senior technical advisor at Engineered Assemblies (EA), is concerned, one example is the chronically overused term 'sustainability,' especially as it applies to building façade envelopes. EA supplies world-class facade materials backed by leading expertise in Rear- Ventilated Rain Screen (RVRS) sub-structure assemblies. Of late, Ker has been talking with the architectural community to break down what sustainability actually means in his line of work. "First, it means a building must consume less energy to function," he says. "Then, sustainability applies to materials used – which incidentally must be installed properly. And finally, it means the building has to last and be serviceable." Architects have reportedly responded strongly to Ker's discussions, which pertain to something EA has been promoting of late: its Certified Series, which has been developed in response to the need for transparency, due diligence, and proper installation execution of a correctly detailed RVRS. EA created the Series in the hope that it will become an industry standard, offering a superior program of delivery and ensuring that all RVRS system installations are conducted properly and that the façade manufacturers' warranty requirements will be met. This is accomplished by EA uniting the architect, the general contractor, and the subcontractor under a common meth- odology and "with a software platform to monitor and report on the execution of a proven RVRS design in real time," according to Ker. Ker says, "I'll be continuing my talks because we regard the façade envelope as possibly the most important building component as it is the primary passive environmental control system. As more architects are trying to adopt National Building Code CSA S478 standards, we hope the use of our Certified Series will make the process easier to achieve." Holcim is a global leader in sustainable building solutions and respected for providing a full range of roofing systems. Jasmeet Deol, senior manager, product marketing for Holcim Building Envelope, reports that "overall in the commercial roofing space, material lead times and availability of raw materials are returning to normal levels. But labour shortages are still an issue, so we strive to provide roofing solutions that help contractors and building owners save time." Deol cites the Elevate SA (formerly Firestone SA) product category, a single- ply self-adhering membrane roofing system specially designed to allow contractors to install more squares every season and do it up to four times faster. There's no need to spread or spray adhesive during installation, plus Elevate SA membranes are free of VOCs. "This is not only a great advantage to crews because it improves the installation experience for contractors, but it also benefits owners because businesses can stay open and occupied while the roof- ing system is being installed," Deol says. Sealing In Success Installation of the Elevate SA single-ply self-adhering membrane roofing system. Rear-Ventilated Rain Screen (RVRS) sub-structure assembly.